Front Bump Stops

I have a set of metal bump stops located toward the rear of my front springs. I also have rubber bump stops above the axle. What do these metal stops do and do I need to keep them with a 2 1/2" YJ lift. It is a '72 CJ. Thanks in advance.

 

That is what is left of the factory rubber bump stop (the rubber has fallen off) I know this
because when I purchased my 72 the bump stop on the passenger side looked just like that,
however the one on the drivers side still had the square rubber bushing on it.

 

I just replaced what I thought was the factory bump stop with the red one you can see in the pic... there was a piece of rubber there. Also these are not present in the rear, just the front.

I can't seem to see a replacement on the jeep sites, any suggestions? Do you have a pic?

 

My 72 has the bump stop that contacts the axle also. I found some universal bump stops
at 4 wheel parts wholesalers that have a 3/8 stud with a nylon bushing that work very well.
The rear axle only has bump stops on the frame rail that contact the axle housing.

 

The one set, red in the picture was an axle housing bumpstop. The metal bracket is missing the rubber, as noted above, but was designed as a spring bumpstop. Most people remove them as they are clutter when they lift the Jeep unless they are doing a resto. Some Waggy's and Jeep PU's used them too and there were different lengths depending on application (the metal bracket that is). Nickmil

 

That is what I needed to hear, I think I will remove them. I am cleaning up the frame for paint so I don't want anything that isn't needed. Thank You.

 

They probably helped to reduce axle wrap but with your lift springs they are useless.